Some years ago I had the privilege of studying shamanism with my friend Kelley Harrell, author of the intriguing new book, Teen Spirit Guide to Modern Shamanism: A Beginner’s Map Charting an Ancient Path.   A shaman, I should probably explain, is someone who uses altered states of consciousness to interact with the spirit realms, often […] Read More

The scenes that can feel daunting to the writer— the story’s climax, sex scenes, the tsunami, the big confrontation, the spiritual experience—are no harder than the others to write. We just need to keep a few things in mind throughout. I’m offering a workshop on the subject that will cover all you need to know. […] Read More

Spiritual tattoos are so hip I can only conclude that belief in a higher power is a lot sexier than it used to be. Once upon a time, a tattoo was a sign of an outlaw or an outlaw wannabe. And at the same time — in this country at least — outward signs of […] Read More

Having a personality change here. I’ve decided to use some boldness rather than simply writing about it as I have for these last several years. With this change, I mean to follow more faithfully my calling, which I wrote about here this past February in my last post (below) before taking a break. At this […] Read More

Do you feel you have a calling to do a particular task in life? What is it?  When did you recognize it? How did you recognize it?  Do you ever doubt it? Is it a burden or a gift? These are not idle questions for me.  I want to know how other folks handle the […] Read More

 You probably remember the moment.  Who could forget?   “Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: ‘Please, sir, I want some more.’” Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/millions-more-us-children-in-poverty/16942  That moment in the […] Read More

My rap debut is in the works — on the subject of age 65, immortality, and related subjects.  Just wanted to give you a heads-up. It's going to be a don't-miss. Serious elder writer wisdom! I know that there are larger numbers, but still….          65???   Read More

From Guest Blogger, Marjorie Hudson, author of Searching for Virginia Dare Fourteen years ago I went searching for Virginia Dare. What I found was a new confidence and freedom in my choices as a writer. I learned how to go off the map edges to the wild uncharted places beyond. Virginia Dare was the first […] Read More

After dreaming this week that Rahm Emmanel dissed my wardrobe as drab, I did a little research. One website (didn't say I was doing Ph.D. level work here) said something about inadequacy dreams that I found appealing.  "Most of the time, though, people who have such dreams are unlikely to fail a test in real […] Read More

Already he was in top-hero status in my pantheon.  Then the flood of publicity this week told me something I hadn't realized: When Nelson Mandela, then imprisoned, changed his strategy and began to negotiate with the white government of South Africa, his colleagues in revolution believed that he had sold out. Which pretty much put […] Read More